Opinion
Western Growers launched the Global Harvest Automation Initiative. One of the deliverables was a report that took a look at how harvest innovation is impacting growers. The first report is here.
Reducing food waste is the responsibility of all parts of the supply chain and a central tenet of sustainability goals.
Packaging for produce reflects the complexity and range of the fruits and vegetables our industry brings to market every day.
Other than the Fed raising interest rates a fraction, what can be done about inflation?
We’ve all heard the expression, “You only get one chance to make a good first impression.” I venture to say that’s not entirely true. Here’s why.
Amid our country’s decades-high inflation, some are predicting interest rates will skyrocket, as well. It reminds many economists of the same situation that occurred in the late 1970s.
You have seen the billboard on the side of the highway: “One (insert state name) farmer feeds X number of people and YOU.”
One of The Packer’s first mentions of sustainability and packaging (apart from some back-and-forth banter about RPCs and corrugated cartons) appeared in coverage from the 2005 PMA Fresh Summit event.
Advertised produce specials, or “ads,” have always been powerful marketing tools. Exactly how is not always so clear.
When Jonas Salk invented the polio vaccine in 1953, he was feted in a New York ticker tape parade and hailed as the “great doctor-benefactor of his time.” Compare that to today.
The California Fresh Fruit Association President Ian LeMay recently penned an op-ed highlighting the impacts of inflation on the state’s agriculture and specifically, stone fruit industry.
Holloway President Vard Terry was an agvocate five decades before the term existed, and I’m not sure there’s a better advocate of the industry today.
Years ago, I, along with another produce specialist, supervised a 66-store chain.
When I stop into just about any retail or service operation, chances are I’m going to encounter “the trainee.”
While the produce industry is no doubt unique, there are powerful lessons that can be found by looking across sectors, particularly to industries that share a common charge: protecting consumer safety.
What does the “industry” need from the government?
A produce manager’s predawn musings: What were the sales from the previous day? Did our load arrive overnight, just get there or, worse, hadn’t yet pulled into the dock? Any out-of-stocks?
Unlike “organic,” which is clearly defined and regulated by the USDA, “regenerative” and “climate-smart” agriculture are currently loosely defined.
By its very nature, snacking is a spur-of-the-moment decision, and retailers can get creative with that impulse, reminding shoppers fresh produce is a great option.
While attending the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference, I visited with a produce professional in the tech space.
Décor, clothing and little touches around a produce department don’t necessarily change a lot, but they can lead to increased customer traffic, sales and gross profit, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A Center for Produce Safety program aims to develop professionals who have the well-rounded skill set it takes to advance fresh produce food safety, says Steve Patricio, CPS board director.
It takes some additional work to incorporate the little bags into produce displays, but the results are evident, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Produce managers who know their store and customers well can be a great source for creative merchandising ideas — if they they’re allowed to be.
Retail produce departments are much different than those of yesteryear, but some key elements haven’t changed, says columnist Armand Lobato.
The manager of produce food safety for Wegmans Food Markets discusses produce safety and research efforts.
Christmas will be here soon — as will the rush of customer traffic, says columnist Armand Lobato. Are you ready for it?
After two decades of negotiations, Chile has reached the last mile in the authorization process of the systems approach for table grape exports to the North American market.